Seeking Any Moms Who Have Epilepsy and Are on Medication

Keppra and Zonegran are 2 newer drugs for epilepsy and they are both really good. I know personally that Zonegran is a once a day drug, so you only have to think about it once a day. It also does not cause hair loss or weight gain like some of the others. If possible, try to stay away from the older drugs..they have terrible side effects. Many doctors start off patients on these older drugs and I don't understand why when the newer ones are so much nicer to take and they work and have less side effects.

Hi,

My mother suffered from this. Call me at ###-###-####.

Well, I don't have much in the way of advice... I was recently diagnosed with partial (absence) seizures of my left temporal lobe (not my body, just my brain), and am embarking on the pharmaceutical journey just now.... I'm starting on Keppra once my son is weaned.

I just wanted to write a note with my support and hope you find the answers you need. I have a great neurologist who is very patient and scientific, if you decide you need a doc with fresh eyes, so let me know.

Good luck!

My husband has had a seizure disorder (not epilepsy) for about 8 years that causes him to have grand-mal seizures when he doesn't take his madication - it can be very scary. I'm sorry that you have to live with that. Trilepetl did not work for my husband, but he's been on Tegratol for about 5 years now, and it's working really well for him. He doesn't get very drowsy on it and he hasn't had a problem with weight gain - but he is a guy, so I don't know if it's affecting him different because of that. He does get tired if he has more than 2 drinks, so he doesn't drink very often, but he still has a good time when we go out. You just have to make the best of it. The only problem that he's really had with the tegretal is that it depletes your calcium, but he just takes a calcium supplement and makes sure he gets him recommended amount of dairy everyday. He was also on Dilantin for about 3 years. That seemed to work well for him, but I guess it has some long-term side effects in certain people, so that's why the doctors decided to switch him to the Tegratol. I hope that you find something that works well for you!

Hi S.,

I have epilepsy, too. I've gone through the "not being able to drive for six months" thing twice now, and you're right, it really is difficult. If your meds are making you drowsy, definitely talk to your neurologist as soon as possible. There's no reason for you to have to feel that way - there are many epilepsy medications you can try. I went to see a neurologist who specializes in epilepsy, and she told me that the combination of the meds I'm taking at the levels I'm at won't hurt my body - but they can cause birth defects, so like you, I'd need to make some adjustments before I start thinking about having a baby. This won't be for another year or two...hopefully I won't have to go off meds completely, I don't know how you did it! My advice would be to go see a neurologist who specializes in epilepsy. It might be a good idea to talk to a counselor for a little while, too. I've gone through some depression linked partly to my epilepsy, and I wish I'd gone in to talk to someone sooner. At the time, my boss had me stressed enough that my hair was falling out...but I couldn't find a new job, because I couldn't drive at the time. I was able to get to work then because one of my co-workers actually lived in my apartment building, but if I went to a new company, I didn't know if I'd be able to get to work if I had another seizure. At one point, a group of counselors moved into an office about half a mile from my apartment, so I could walk or ride my bike down there once a week after work and it helped so much! Your insurance may not cover it very well, but even going in for a few sessions will help.

God's blessings to you and your family,

J.

my mother is on that medication. The increase dosage it takes alittle while to build up in your system and then once your system adjusts you should not feel as sleepy. she was also on Kreppa which she did not have any problem with. it was very expensive though. she has not had any weight gain infact she has lost weight. speak to your doctor it sounds like your getting a little depressed. they are support groups for epilespy.

Please check out the site epilepsy.com. There is a chat room there for people with epilepsy and their caregivers. There are some amazing people on there. I met some of them when my son was diagnosed, and two of them I speak with on the phone daily. It should help you a lot. I hope this helps.

S.,
I was diagnosed with Epilepsy (now known as seizure disorder) at the age of 4- 38 years ago. I was on Dilantin (which decreased my seizures but never controlled them. At the age of 16 they tried me on Depekene-at that time a fairly new anticonvulsant drug. It has since been improved and is called Depakote. It has been my miracle drug and I do not have seizures as long as I take it. At the age of 19 I had a normal EEG so they tried to wean me off the medication which resulted in the seizures returning. I went back on and have not had a seizure in about 25 years. I did not go off the medication when I was pregnant and my daughter suffered no affects.
Now at the age of 43 I got a letter from my physician following my medication level check. My levels are extrememly low. He says that with this (and the fact I have not had a seizure in 25 years)in mind I am a perfect candidate for going off the medication. He think it sounds great, but I am sure you understand my hesitation. The thought of not having to take medication sounds great, but the fear of having another seizure terrifies me. I think any one who has had one knows how scary going into one can be. I just think of how my life would be disrupted if I did. Right now I take two pills a day and it isn't that big of a deal.
I am not familiar with the drug you are taking, but it seems that there are others out there your doctor should try if this one is causing you problems. I don't know if my reply helps, but just remember you have support!
All my best,
J.

I S.,
I have been on med since I was 18.
I can say there are streaks of "good" times and of "off" times.
I would make sure your Doctor knows that you are drowsy and see if you can adjust the meds. or find a new one. Make sure you keep on talking to the doctors about this. It can take a while to find the right medication.
The sun has not bothered me but the schools lights have made an impact on how my head feels.
L.